The Romanov Ransom

"Treasure-hunting team Sam and Remi Fargo's search for a Romanov fortune brings them into perilous contact with an ambitious neo-Nazi clan, in the thrilling adventure from the #1 New York Times-bestselling author. In 1918, a ransom of enormous size was paid to free the Romanovs from the Bolsheviks, but, as history knows, the Romanovs died anyway. And the ransom? During World War II, the Nazis stole it from the Russians, and after that--it vanished. Until now. When a modern-day kidnapping captures the attention of husband-and-wife team Sam and Remi Fargo, the couple soon learn that these long-lost riches may be back in play, held in trust by the descendants of a Nazi guerrilla faction called the Werewolves. It is their mission to establish the Fourth Reich, and their time is coming soon. As the Fargos follow the trail across Europe, Northern Africa, and South America, they know only one thing. This quest is greater than anything they have ever done--it is their chance to make someone answer for unspeakable crimes, and to prevent them from happening again"-- Provided by publisher.

Decidedly better than Pirate, the plot flows more smoothly and logically. The ability of Sam and Remi to find a needle in a haystack is stretching credulity and it suffers the same problem as other stories in the series - the volume of dead bodies left by the protagonists without interference by law enforcement is disconcerting.

The ROMANOV RANSOM is the usual Cussler and whomever (Robin Burcell in this case) flair. Entertaining story with global trotting and interesting places, good backstory, and a style of text that makes for a fun, quick read. The Fargo's take on a residual Nazi movement with roots back to World War II with an added backstory on the Romanov overthrow in Russia and the lost treasures of that family. Plus it has the usual "Cussler" cameo embedded in it. Fun read.